Subject:Flood waters submerge historic center of Venice

Written By:Philip Enoon12/05/08 at 12:42 pm

Flood waters submerge historic center of Venice

Venice has been hit with its worst flooding in more than 20 years, leaving much of the city canal criss-crossed submerged and forcing residents and tourists to wade through knee-high water toward dry ground.

Photographs from the flooded area showed people wading through deep water covering the famed Piazza San Marco –St. Mark’s Square – which is the city’s lowest point. Other photographs showed city workers struggling to build elevated wooden walkways to aid people trying to evacuate flooded areas.

The floods were sparked after heavy rains and strong winds lashed the lagoon city, pushing sea levels to their highest point in 22 years.

Ferry and water taxi services were suspended and the Venice mayor was urging people to stay indoors.

The Centro Maree, which forecasts water levels, reported sea levels in the Adriatic rose 1.56 meters (5.1 ft) – a level not seen since 1986.

The Piazza San Marco was under almost 3 feet of water at one point, before levels receded, the news agency ANSA reported. Previous highs include 1.58 meters in 1986 and 1.66 meters in 1979, the news agency said.

Venice has long battled flooding problems, and has long weather stories that the city itself is sinking. A United Nations group warned the city in 2007 that it was at risk for more serious floods, due to rising sea levels caused by climate change.

According to that group, Venice water levels would permanently rise by 54 centimeters in the city by the year 2100.

Subject:Re: Flood waters submerge historic center of Venice

Written By:danootaandmeon12/05/08 at 1:01 pm

I saw this on the news, looks awful. Don't know what they can do to stop becoming the next Atlantis

Subject:Re: Flood waters submerge historic center of Venice

Written By:Green Lanternon12/06/08 at 10:09 am

http://www.21stcenturyschools.com/Venetian_Hotel.jpg

Ah Venice .... Venice ^ 8) ::) 8)

HEY ! That ain't Venice ! >:(

But then .... 8) ...... who NEEDS 'Venice' ...... when you got ..........